With An ADHD Specialist Michigan Patients Can Gain Control Over Life

By Angela Thompson


Before Attention Deficit Disorder, or ADD for short, was recognized as a medical condition sufferers were routinely written off by families, parents and teachers as willfully unruly, stupid, malicious and disrupting individuals. Despite the fact that the condition is now formally recognized as a disease, patients still suffer from a great deal of prejudice. The truth is that this disorder can be treated and managed. With help from an ADHD specialist Michigan patients can lead perfectly normal lives.

ADD patients do not all display or experience the same symptoms. There are a few common symptoms to look out for, however. Most patients struggle to concentrate on one activity for any length of time. Many patients avoid social interaction and many others are perceived as aggressive or deliberately rude. When parents, teachers or loved ones spot these telltale signs it may be time to see a therapist.

Many people think that the treatment of ADD is as simple as to prescribe drugs such as Ritalin. These drugs are not suitable for all patients and in some cases they can cause very serious side effects and even other health problems. In addition, these drugs are only suitable for controlling a small number of the symptoms. At best drugs are used only as one component of a treatment plan.

There is no cure for ADD. Treatment therefore focuses on teaching the patient to cope with the conditions and to manage their own symptoms and the effect that they have upon their lives. Treatment always involves a strong element that focuses on exercise. Exercise is one of the best ways in which to get rid of aggression and it tends to help patients to improve their attention spans.

Many ADD patients suffer from insomnia and poor quality sleep. This means that they seldom get enough rest and this continual tiredness simply exaggerates the intensity of their symptoms. Therapists encourage their patients to sleep in a dark and quiet room with no distractions. They have to establish a pattern where they go to bed and get up at the same time every single day, regardless of whether they are tired or not.

Following a proper diet is also vitally important for ADD patients. So many of them do not eat for days and then indulge in unhealthy food. Therapists encourage them to eat a minimum of six smaller meals each day. Every meal should include some protein, fresh vegetables and fruit and some omega fatty acids. This helps to keep their energy levels up and to improve their concentration abilities.

The majority of patients need regular counseling. They need to understand their condition and they need to be able to recognize the onset of symptoms. Only then will they be able to implement strategies to deal with those symptoms. Counselors also teach patients how to deal with conflict and how to interact with others socially. During these sessions patients share with each other.

Living with ADD is not easy. Sufferers have to be on their guard against the onset of their symptoms at all times. They need to lead disciplined lives and they have to deal with the prejudice of uninformed people. This requires bravery and a high level of determination.




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